3 Most Commonly Misunderstood Pieces Of Job Search Advice – 6/25/2014

Beware of three misunderstood pieces of job search advice.

The Internet is full of employment advice. Every bookstore has several shelves of publications on the subject. Even a sibling, best friend or grandparent can be a worthy source of suggestions. Unfortunately, the sheer amount of information you may uncover can make it all too easy to become overwhelmed and confused. Consider the following job search tips that many medical imaging and radiation therapy job seekers misunderstand and misapply. Avoid doing the same and you could improve your chances of securing your next job.

1. Include information from the job posting in your cover letter.

It’s important to customize your cover letter every time you apply for a position. This shows you’ve read and comprehended the information and allows you to draw parallels between each employer’s needs and your qualifications. Unfortunately, many candidates misunderstand this advice and end up with a cover letter that is so stuffed with keywords it loses all personality or—even worse—sounds like it was copied and pasted directly from the job posting.

Avoid this mistake by identifying the top three qualifications necessary—as mentioned in the job posting—and addressing those in your cover letter. You can add a little about why you want to work for the hospital or clinic advertising the position as well. Finish up with a request for a meeting to discuss the opportunity further.

2. Pay attention to your body language during the interview.

Few experiences are as nerve wracking as a job interview; even the most seasoned R.T.s may fumble for the right words to describe the unique value they can bring to the workplace. Unfortunately, allowing yourself to become hyper-focused on controlling your body language can make you appear even more nervous or awkward than you actually are.

While you should strive to put your best foot forward when meeting with a prospective employer, you should ultimately be yourself. For example, if you’re normally an animated speaker, don’t obsess over controlling your hand gestures. If you tend to be rather subdued, don’t force yourself to behave in a gregarious manner.

3. Ask questions to show you’re interested in the job.

Radiologic technology requires a specific skill set and background. It’s unlikely that you’ve applied for jobs you’re not truly interested in—and prospective employers know this. And while questions can certainly show you’re actively listening and engaged in the interview at hand, many professionals make dozens of unnecessary inquiries because they’ve misunderstood this piece of job search advice.

If a question arises during the course of the interview, ask it. Have a few queries prepared for the end of the interview, as well. You might want to try one or two of these questions every employer wants to hear. Whatever you do, avoid turning the interview into an interrogation.

Want more job search advice? Whether you’re a nuclear medicine technologist, specialize in mammography, or have what it takes to become a director of radiology, you’ll find jobs, informational articles and more within the ASRT JobBank®.